“Ryouma-kun is the developer of all these things. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s the truth.” [Reinhart]

“You really made all these, Takebayashi-sama?” [Serge]

“Yes.” [Ryouma]

“I told you it’s true, but please keep this a secret… It would cause problems if people were to find out how skilled a researcher he is despite his age. Moreover, he’s also an alchemist.” [Reinhart]

Serge-san became suspicious as soon as he heard the word ‘alchemist’.

Alchemists really have a bad reputation.

“I know, I know, it’s suspicious, but he made that ingot in front of me. It’s definitely not a scam.” [Reinhart]

“I see, so you did it right in front of Reinhart-sama. If you don’t mind, could you show it to me too?” [Serge]

Oh? He’s suspicious, but he’s willing to put aside his prejudice to see if it’s true. Well, the duke did bring me, so it’s not like he could just ignore me.

My mana isn’t in the best condition right now, but it looks like I’ll have to do this one more time.

“I’ve already used a lot of mana today. Do you mind if I just make something small?” [Ryouma]

“We have plenty of mana recovery potions in our store. Please feel free to use them. This much isn’t anything to speak of so long as you could truly show me alchemy.” [Serge]

Is it really ok if I accept this? Well, alright. In that case, I’ll be able to do this properly.

“Then please prepare me a potion, two sheets of paper, and a pen. I need to draw a magic formation, you see.” [Ryouma]

Serge-san summoned a servant once more and asked for the things I asked.

“Will this do?” [Serge]

“Yes. Thank you.” [Ryouma]

After thanking him, I took the things I asked for and drew a magic formation, then I took out the red bricks from my Item Box.

“This is hardened soil from the mines. It will be used as ingredient for my alchemy. Please take a look.” [Ryouma]

Serge-san used Identify.

“It’s from the mines, indeed.” [Serge]

“I’ll be starting then. It’s a bit dangerous, so please refrain from extending your hands into the formation.” [Ryouma]

Mana coursed through the magic formation just like it did back at the mines. Light shone, and in the next instant, an iron ingot was quickly made.

I handed it to Serge-san.

“Please examine it.” [Ryouma]

Serge-san was already wide-eyed from seeing the process, but when he took my iron ingot and used identify on it, in the next moment, he stood up from his sofa and bowed deeply to me.

“My deepest apologies!” [Serge]

“I-It’s fine!! Really! Please. Lift your head. I know alchemists have a poor reputation, so it’s only normal for you to be suspicious, Morgan-sama. If anything, I’d say you treated me well.” [Ryouma]

The duke might have introduced me, but I’m not even a teenager, I’m a kid. If a person of such high standing were to suddenly apologize to me, I can’t help but want to apologize too.

Even though my old boss gave me a stern talking to that it’s better to just keep up relations instead of ignoring someone or acting suspicious…

“Thank you. I didn’t think you’d actually be the real thing… Could it be you’re not as young as you appear?” [Serge]

…Huh? ..Eh? No way! …He found out!?

“W-What are you saying all of the sudden?” [Ryouma]

“I’ve heard real alchemists could make medicine that restored one’s youth or gave eternal youth. I thought it was just a hoax because of all the scams, but if you’re the real thing, then…” [Serge]

“I can’t.” [Ryouma]

So that’s what it was. Sheesh, sure scared the life out of me.

I took out my status board and showed my age.

“I can’t make a medicine that restores youth or gives perpetual youth. Perhaps there are people that could really make such a thing, but it’s impossible for me. At most, all I can do is put this lump of soil inside a magic formation, and turn it into an ingot.” [Ryouma]

“I see. I beg your pardon.” [Serge]

Reinhart-san interjected here.

“Now then, since we’ve made it clear that Ryouma-kun is the real thing, let’s continue. Just as Ryouma-kun has showed you, he came up with all these things with his exceptional abilities and knowledge.

But if others were to find out that he’s an alchemist, they will surely think it’s a scam. And even if they do acknowledge his abilities, an 11 year-old child is bound to garner much animosity. There will also be those who would want to pull him over to their side.

So I want to propose a deal between you and Ryouma-kun, Serge. He’ll sell his goods to you at a fair price, and in exchange, you’ll keep quiet about his identity.” [Reinhart]

“Very well. That much won’t be a problem.” [Serge]

“Ryouma-kun, Serge is a trustworthy merchant, so just drop by his store whenever you want to sell something. You can also buy things from here safely.” [Reinhart]

“Thank you.

Serge-san, I look forward to working with you.” [Ryouma]

“I look forward to working with you too, Ryouma-sama. Please come whenever you can, I will be here to receive you.” [Serge]

“Ryouma-kun, feel free to use the soil from that mine as you please. You can feed them to the slimes or sell them as ingots, it’s up to you.” [Reinhart]

“Are you sure? But what about your profits?” [Ryouma]

“That’s an abandoned mine. It’s only natural not to make any off of it. Besides, we’ll make some off the taxes when you sell your ingots to Serge. There’s no loss for us.

Moreover, I expect a lot of profits to be made from the waterproof cloths.

You can sell them here or at any branch of the Morgan Company, right, Serge?” [Reinhart]

“Yes.

And Ryouma-sama, if you tell me your address, I can inform a nearby store to purchase from you. Of course, while keeping your secrets.” [Serge]

I’m grateful, but aren’t these people being too nice?

After that I told him I lived in the forest, and he was naturally shocked. I wasn’t sure whether I would be going back to the forest or not, so I decided to just tell Serge-san my address after I make up my mind.

For the time being, I would be selling my goods here at the store, but if I do decide to come back, I can sell my goods at a branch store in Gaunago Town.

They spoil me so much, I don’t know how to thank them anymore.

I think I’ll just make some ingot and threads while I’m in this town. I should be able to make a lot if I use two days’ worth of mana.

I got a lot of mana recovery potions from Serge-san as an apology for doubting me, so it shouldn’t be a problem.

Still, I’m glad there’s a place I can finally sell my stuff at.

Serge-san told me to drop by whenever.

If I sell to him, I won’t have to fear getting ripped off.

After that, serge-san and a female servant saw us off, and we went back to our lodging.

Tl Note:

We have pdf now thanks to Byggvirr. A round of applause please.

*Clap *Clap.

Download links are in the TOC.

I was considering posting another chapter part, but I ended up wasting all of my time on a single line that barely even matters. Next time I’ll just skip ’em and put a note or something.